System and method of detecting potential video traffic interference

ABSTRACT

A method of detecting potential video traffic interference at a video head-end of a video distribution network is disclosed and includes detecting, at a video head-end, a signal populating an ultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency. The method also includes determining that a strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a threshold signal strength. Further, the method includes sending an alert from the video head-end to a network management system. The alert indicates that the UHF white space frequency is populated by a signal having a potential to interfere with video traffic delivered via the video head-end.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to detecting potentialinterference with video traffic delivered via a video distributionnetwork.

BACKGROUND

Wireless regional area networks (WRANs) and other emerging technologieshave the potential to cause interference (e.g., desensitizationinterferences) with digital television channels delivered via videohead-ends and other components of video distribution networks. Suchtechnologies emit signals using vacant ultra high frequency (UHF)television frequencies (white spaces). The signals can spill over intoactive digital television channels and cause picture and audioimpairments. Moreover, when spectral spillover occurs, tuners on theactive channels, as well as adjacent channels and other channels, canoverload, causing pixilation and freezing of video and audio. Hence,there is a need for a system and method of detecting potential videotraffic interference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a particular embodiment of a system todetect potential video traffic interference;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second particular embodiment of a systemto detect potential video traffic interference;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a method ofdetecting potential video traffic interference;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a second particular embodiment of a methodof detecting potential video traffic interference;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a third particular embodiment of a method ofdetecting potential video traffic interference; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a generalcomputer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A system to detect potential video traffic interference at a videohead-end of a video distribution network is disclosed and includes adetection system having processing logic and memory accessible to theprocessing logic. The memory includes instructions executable by theprocessing logic to determine that a strength of a detected signalpopulating an ultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency is equalto or greater than a threshold signal strength. The memory also includesinstructions executable by the processing logic to send an alert to anetwork management system, wherein the alert indicates that the UHFwhite space frequency is populated by a signal having a potential tointerfere with video traffic delivered via a video head-end of a videodistribution network.

In another embodiment, a method of detecting potential video trafficinterference at a video head-end of a video distribution network isdisclosed and includes detecting, at a video head-end, a signalpopulating an ultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency. Themethod also includes determining that a strength of the signal is equalto or greater than a threshold signal strength. Further, the methodincludes sending an alert from the video head-end to a networkmanagement system. The alert indicates that the UHF white spacefrequency is populated by a signal having a potential to interfere withvideo traffic delivered via the video head-end.

In another embodiment, a method of detecting potential video trafficinterference at a video operations center of a video distributionnetwork is disclosed and includes receiving an alert at a networkmanagement system, where the alert indicates that a population of anultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency by a signal having apotential to interfere with video traffic has been detected at a videohead-end of a video distribution network. The method also includessending data to the video head-end, the data indicating at least onecorrective measure to mitigate interference with the video traffic bythe signal.

In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium is disclosed havingprocessor-readable instructions executable by a processor to perform amethod that includes determining that a strength of a detected signalpopulating an ultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency is equalto or greater than a threshold signal strength, and sending an alert toa video operations center. The alert indicates that the UHF white spacefrequency is populated by a signal having a potential to interfere withvideo traffic delivered via a video head-end of a video distributionnetwork.

Referring to FIG. 1, a particular embodiment of a system to detectpotential video traffic interference is illustrated and designatedgenerally at 100. The system 100 includes a video operations center(VOC) 102 of a video distribution network, such as a video superhead-end. The VOC 102 communicates with a plurality of video head-ends104-108 via a private data network, such as the private InternetProtocol (IP) network 103. In an illustrative embodiment, each of thevideo head-ends (VHEs) 104-108 is adapted to deliver video content(e.g., IP Television or other digital television content) to a pluralityof client devices, such as client devices within a geographic region.

Further, the system 100 includes a plurality of detection systems, suchas the detection systems 105, 107 and 109. In one embodiment, adetection system can be included within a video head-end. For instance,a first detection system 105 can be included within a first videohead-end 104. In another embodiment, a detection system can communicatewith a video head-end. For example, a second detection system 107 can beincluded within a second video head-end 106.

Each detection system can include a cognitive radio device or otherdevice or system that is adapted to scan a plurality of ultra highfrequency (UHF) white space frequencies within a pre-defined area aboutan associated video head-end. UHF white space frequencies include unusedUHF frequencies in the radio portion of the electro-magnetic spectrum,such as unused frequencies between 300 KHz and 1 GHz. In anillustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the UHF white space frequenciescan include unused frequencies between 300 MHz and 698 MHz. The firstdetection system 105 can be adapted to scan UHF white space frequencieswithin a first pre-defined area 116. Further, the second detectionsystem 107 can be adapted to scan UHF white space frequencies within asecond pre-defined area 118. In addition, the third detection system 109can be adapted to scan UHF white space frequencies within a thirdpre-defined area 120. The pre-defined areas 116, 118 and 120, can be ofdifferent sizes, of substantially similar sizes, or any combinationthereof.

Each pre-defined area defines an area about a video head-end, in whichemission of signals via a UHF white space frequency can causeinterference with video traffic delivered via the video head-end. Forinstance, emission of signals having a threshold strength via a UHFfrequency that is adjacent to, or within a pre-defined range of, achannel used to transmit television programming via the video head-endscan cause video and audio disruptions such as pixilation, freezing,other quality of service degradations, or any combination thereof.

Each detection system is adapted to detect a signal populating a UHFwhite space frequency within the pre-defined area about an associatedvideo head-end. For example, the first detection system 105 can beadapted to detect emission of a signal via a UHF white space frequency,by a first UHF device 110 whose signal is within the first pre-definedarea 116. Similarly, the third detection system 109 can be adapted todetect emission of a signal via a UHF white space frequency, by a thirdUHF device 114 whose signal is within the third pre-defined area 120(even though the UHF device may not be within the pre-defined area 120).In contrast, the second detection system 107 may not detect emission ofa signal via a UHF white space frequency, by a second UHF device 112whose signal is outside the second pre-defined area 118. The UHF devices110, 112 and 114 can include, for example, wireless regional areanetwork (WRAN) devices emitting IEEE 802.22 signals, set-top boxdevices, portable computing devices, HAM radios, CB radio devices, othercurrent devices that are adapted or modified to emit signals via UHFwhite space frequencies, other future devices that are adapted ormodified to emit signals via UHF white space frequencies, or anycombination thereof.

In addition, each detection system is adapted to determine whether asignal populating a UHF white space frequency within a pre-defined areaabout an associated video head-end has a signal strength that is greaterthan or equal to a threshold signal strength. For example, the thresholdsignal strength can be 6-10 decibels isotropic (dBi). In anillustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the threshold signal strength canbe 8 dBi. The threshold signal strength can be configurable at eachvideo head-end. In one example, the first detection system 105 may beadapted to determine that the signal emitted by the first UHF device 110is of sufficient strength to potentially interfere with video trafficdelivered via the first video head-end 104. Whereas, the third detectionsystem 109 may be adapted to determine that the signal emitted by thethird UHF device 114 is not of sufficient strength to potentiallyinterfere with video traffic delivered via the third video head-end 108.Threshold signal strengths corresponding to potential for interferenceat each video head-end can be different, substantially similar, or anycombination thereof.

Further, each detection system is adapted to identify a UHF white spacefrequency populated by a signal within a pre-defined area about anassociated video head-end facility. In one embodiment, a detectionsystem can be adapted to identify a populated UHF white space frequencywhen the signal is greater than or equal to a threshold signal strength.In other embodiments, a detection system can be adapted to alwaysidentify a populated UHF white space frequency. Each detection systemcan be adapted to compare the identified UHF white space frequency withdata related to a specific group of UHF white space frequencies storedat the detection system, where signals within the specific group of UHFwhite space frequencies and having the threshold signal strength have apotential to interfere with video traffic delivered via the associatedvideo head-end.

Each detection system is adapted to send an alert to a networkmanagement system at the VOC 102, when a signal having a potential tointerfere with video traffic delivered via an associated video head-endis detected. In one embodiment the alert can be a simple networkmanagement protocol (SNMP) alarm. The alert can indicate that such asignal has been detected. In one embodiment, the alert can also identifythe populated UHF white space frequency, one or more affected channelsused to deliver video content via the video head-end, the signalstrength, other data, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, each detection system can be adapted tostore data indicating a status of each of the plurality of UHF whitespace frequency scanned by the detection system. For example, upondetecting a signal populating a UHF white space frequency, where thesignal has a potential to interfere with video traffic delivered via avideo head-end, a detection system can store data indicating that theUHF white space frequency is populated. In a particular embodiment, eachdetection system can be adapted to detect when a populated UHF whitespace frequency is depopulated and to store data indicating that the UHFwhite space frequency is not populated. Further, each detection systemcan be adapted to send an alert to the VOC 102 indicating thedepopulation.

The VOC 102 is adapted to receive an alert from a detection systemassociated with a video head-end indicating that a UHF white spacefrequency has been populated by a signal having a potential to interferewith video traffic delivered via the video head-end. In a particularembodiment, the VOC is adapted to send data to the video head-endindicating one or more corrective measures to mitigate interference orpotential interference at the video head-end.

Referring to FIG. 2, a second particular embodiment of a system todetect potential video traffic interference is illustrated anddesignated generally 200. The system 200 includes a detection system 202included within a video head-end (VHF) 220 of a video distributionnetwork. The system 200 also includes a video operations center (VOC)224 that communicates with the detection system 202 via a VOC interface210.

In a particular embodiment, the detection system 202 includes processinglogic 204 and memory 206 accessible to the processing logic 204. In anillustrative embodiment, the processing logic 204 can communicate with asearch antenna 209 via a search antenna interface 208. The memory 206includes a plurality of modules 212-218 that are adapted to providevarious functions of the detection system 202 with respect to detectingpotential video traffic interference. The modules 212-218 can includedata stores; hardware logic; instructions executable by the processinglogic 204, such as instructions included in one or more computerprograms or operating systems; or any combination thereof.

For example, the memory 206 can include a signal module 212 that isexecutable by the processing logic 204 to scan a plurality of ultra highfrequency (UHF) white space frequencies within a pre-defined area 223about the video head-end 220. Further, the signal module 212 isexecutable by the processing logic 204 to detect a signal populating oneof the plurality of UHF white space frequencies within the pre-definedarea 223. In addition, the signal module 212 is executable by theprocessing logic 204 to determine whether a signal populating one of theplurality of UHF white space frequencies within the pre-defined area 223has a signal strength that is greater than or equal to a thresholdsignal strength.

In a particular embodiment, the signal module 212 can be executable bythe processing logic 204 to identify a UHF white space frequencypopulated by a detected signal. Moreover, the signal module 212 can beexecutable by the processing logic 204 to compare the identified UHFwhite space frequency to a specific group of UHF white spacefrequencies, within which signals having the threshold signal strengthhave a potential to interfere with video traffic delivered via theassociated video head-end. Data related to the specific group of UHFwhite space frequencies can be stored at a management information datastore 214.

The memory includes an alert generation module 216 that is executable bythe processing logic 204 to generate an alert to be sent to a networkmanagement system 226 at the VOC 224, when a signal having a potentialto interfere with video traffic delivered via the video head-end 220 isdetected. In one embodiment, the alert can be a simple networkmanagement protocol (SNMP) alarm. The alert can indicate that such asignal has been detected. In one embodiment, the alert can also identifythe populated UHF white space frequency, one or more affected channelsused to deliver video content via the video head-end, the signalstrength, other data, or any combination thereof. The memory can includea VOC communication module 218 that is executable by the processinglogic 204 to send the alert to the VOC 224 via the VOC interface 210.

In a particular embodiment, the management information data store 214can store data indicating a status of each of the plurality of UHF whitespace frequencies scanned by the detection system 202. For example, upondetecting a signal populating a UHF white space frequency, where thesignal has a potential to interfere with video traffic delivered via avideo head-end, a detection system can store data indicating that theUHF white space frequency is populated. In a particular embodiment, thesignal module 212 can be executable by the processing logic 204 todetect when a UHF white space frequency is depopulated, and themanagement information data store 214 can store data indicating that theUHF white space frequency is not populated. Further, the alertgeneration module 216 can be executable by the processing logic 204 togenerate a second alert to be sent to the VOC 224 indicating thedepopulation.

The VOC 224 includes a network management system adapted to receive analert from the detection system 202 indicating that a UHF white spacefrequency has been populated by a signal having a potential to interferewith video traffic delivered by a video distribution network via thevideo head-end 220. In a particular embodiment, the network managementsystem can be adapted to output data indicating the population of theUHF white space frequency to a network administrator or other user atthe VOC 224.

In an illustrative embodiment, the network management system 226 isadapted to receive input indicating one or more corrective measures tomitigate the potential interference. For example, engineers or otherparties at the VOC 224 can inspect frequencies corresponding topotentially affected channels used to deliver the video traffic via thevideo head-end 220, as well as adjacent channels and channels within apre-defined range of potentially affected channels, for interference anddetermine one or more corrective measures to mitigate such interferenceor potential interference. The administrator or other user can inputdata related to the determined corrective measure(s) to the networkmanagement system 226. The network management system 226 is adapted tosend data related to the corrective measure(s) to the video head-endassociated with the detection system.

Referring to FIG. 3, a particular embodiment of a method of detectingpotential video traffic interference is illustrated. At block 300, adetection system associated with a video head-end of a videodistribution network scans a plurality of ultra high frequency (UHF)white space frequencies within a pre-defined area about the videohead-end. Moving to block 302, the detection system detects a signalpopulating a UHF white space frequency within the pre-defined area aboutthe video head-end. The UHF devices can include, for example, wirelessregional area network (WRAN) devices emitting IEEE 802.22 signals, HAMradios, CB radio devices, other devices adapted or modified to emitsignals via UHF white space frequencies, or any combination thereof.

Proceeding to decision node 304, the detection system determines whetherthe detected signal has a signal strength that is greater than or equalto a threshold signal strength. If the signal does not have a signalstrength that is greater than or equal to the threshold signal strength,the method can terminate at 312. Conversely, if the signal has a signalstrength that is greater than or equal to the threshold signal strength,the method continues to block 306, and the detection system identifiesthe UHF white space frequency populated by the detected signal.Advancing to block 308, the detection system determines whether theidentified UHF white space frequency matches one of a plurality offrequencies on which signals can potentially interfere with videotraffic (including video, audio, or any combination thereof) deliveredvia the video head-end.

For instance, the detection system can determine that the detectedsignal has populated a frequency adjacent to a channel used to deliverthe video traffic or a frequency within a pre-defined range of such achannel. In an illustrative embodiment, the detection system can comparethe identified UHF white space frequency with data related to a specificgroup of UHF white space frequencies stored at the detection system,where signals within the specific group of UHF white space frequenciesand having the threshold signal strength have a potential to interferewith video traffic delivered via the associated video head-end.

If the detection system determines that the detected signal haspopulated one of a plurality of frequencies on which signals canpotentially interfere with video traffic, the method moves to block 310,and the detection system sends an alert to a video operations center(VOC) of the video distribution network. In one embodiment, the alertcan be a simple network management protocol (SNMP) alarm. The alert canindicate that such a signal has been detected. In one embodiment, thealert can also identify the populated UHF white space frequency, one ormore affected channels used to deliver video content via the videohead-end, the signal strength, other data, or any combination thereof.In a particular embodiment at block 312, the detection system canreceive data from the VOC indicating one or more corrective measures tomitigate the potential interference. The method terminates at 314.

Referring to FIG. 4, a second particular embodiment of a method ofdetecting potential video traffic interference is illustrated. At block400, a detection system associated with a video head-end of a videodistribution network scans a plurality of ultra high frequency (UHF)white space frequencies within a pre-defined area about the videohead-end. Moving to block 402, the detection system detects a signalpopulating a UHF white space frequency within the pre-defined area aboutthe video head-end. Proceeding to decision node 404, the detectionsystem determines whether the detected signal has a signal strength thatis greater than or equal to a threshold signal strength. If the signaldoes not have a signal strength that is greater than or equal to thethreshold signal strength, the method can terminate at 412.

Conversely, if the signal has a signal strength that is greater than orequal to the threshold signal strength, the method continues to block406, and the detection system identifies the UHF white space frequencypopulated by the detected signal. Advancing to block 408, the detectionsystem determines whether the identified UHF white space frequencymatches one of a plurality of frequencies on which signals canpotentially interfere with video traffic (including video, audio, or anycombination thereof) delivered via the video head-end. For instance, thedetection system can determine that the detected signal has populated afrequency adjacent to a channel used to deliver the video traffic or afrequency within a pre-defined range of such a channel.

If the detection system determines that the detected signal haspopulated one of a plurality of frequencies on which signals canpotentially interfere with video traffic, the method moves to block 410,and the detection system identifies one or more channels used to delivervideo traffic via the video head-end, which are affected or have thepotential to be affected by interference from the detected signal.Proceeding to block 412, the detection system sends an alert to a videooperations center (VOC) of the video distribution network. In oneembodiment, the alert can be a simple network management protocol (SNMP)alarm. The alert can indicate that such a signal has been detected. Inone embodiment, the alert can also identify the populated UHF whitespace frequency, one or more affected channels used to deliver videocontent via the video head-end, the signal strength, other data, or anycombination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, at block 412, the detection system storesdata indicating a status of the UHF white space frequency populated bythe detected signal. Further, at decision node 416, the detection systemcan determine whether it detects a depopulation of a previouslypopulated UHF white space frequency. If so, the method can return toblock 412, and the detection system can send an alert to the VOCindicating the depopulation and store data indicating a status of thedepopulated UHF white space frequency. The method terminates at 418.

Referring to FIG. 5, a third particular embodiment of a method ofdetecting potential video traffic interference is illustrated. At block500, a network management system receives an alert from a detectionsystem associated with a video head-end indicating that a UHF whitespace frequency has been populated by a signal having a potential tointerfere with video traffic delivered by a video distribution networkvia the video head-end. The detection system can be coupled to orintegrated with the video head-end. Moving to block 502, the networkmanagement system outputs data indicating the population of the UHFwhite space frequency to a network administrator or other user.

Proceeding to block 504, the network management system receives inputindicating one or more corrective measures to mitigate the potentialinterference. For example, engineers or other parties at a videooperations center can inspect frequencies corresponding to potentiallyaffected channels used to deliver the video traffic via the videohead-end, as well as adjacent channels and channels within a pre-definedrange of potentially affected channels, for interference and determineone or more corrective measures to mitigate such interference orpotential interference. The administrator or other user can input datarelated to the determined corrective measure(s) to the networkmanagement system. Continuing to block 506, the network managementsystem sends data related to the corrective measure(s) to the videohead-end associated with the detection system. The method terminates at508.

In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can be performed asdescribed. In alternative embodiments, aspects of the methods can beperformed in alternative sequences or simultaneously. For example, adetection system can store a status of a populated UHF white spacefrequency even if a detected signal does not have a threshold signalstrength.

In conjunction with the configurations and structures disclosed herein,a system and method of detecting potential video traffic interferenceare provided, in which signals populating UHF white space frequenciesare detected. Signals of sufficient strength, which populate certain UHFwhite space frequencies, can interfere with digital television videotraffic and other video traffic delivered via an Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV) network and other video distribution networks. Forexample, tuners and other receiving devices at video head-end facilitiescan experience cross-channel interference, co-channel interference,other types of interference, or any combination thereof, as a result ofsignals competing with video traffic signals for certain frequencies atthe receiving devices. A signal strength (e.g., amplitude) of a detectedsignal populating a UHF white space frequency can be determined, and analert can be sent to a network management system when the detectedsignal has a strength sufficient to potentially interfere with videotraffic at the video head-end. In a particular embodiment, the networkmanagement system can send data indicating one or more correctivemeasures to the video head-end office. Examples of corrective measuresinclude feeding video traffic to a geographic area or subscriber groupfrom a video head-end at a location that is not susceptible tointerference from the detected signal; altering a direction of adirectional receiving antenna at the video head-end; and other measuresthat can be undertaken to mitigate interference from a detected signal.

Referring to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a general computersystem is shown and is designated 600. The computer system 600 caninclude a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computersystem 600 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer basedfunctions disclosed herein. The computer system 600 may operate as astandalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to othercomputer systems or peripheral devices.

In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in thecapacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer(or distributed) network environment. The computer system 600 can alsobe implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wirelesstelephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner,a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, aweb appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machinecapable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise)that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particularembodiment, the computer system 600 can be implemented using electronicdevices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, whilea single computer system 600 is illustrated, the term “system” shallalso be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems thatindividually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructionsto perform one or more computer functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the computer system 600 may include aprocessor 602, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system 600 caninclude a main memory 604 and a static memory 606, which can communicatewith each other via a bus 608. As shown, the computer system 600 mayfurther include a video display unit 610, such as a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat paneldisplay, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT).Additionally, the computer system 600 may include an input device 612,such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device 614, such as a mouse.The computer system 600 can also include a disk drive unit 616, a signalgeneration device 618, such as a speaker or remote control, and anetwork interface device 620.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 6, the disk drive unit616 may include a computer-readable medium 622 in which one or more setsof instructions 624, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, theinstructions 624 may embody one or more of the methods or logic asdescribed herein. In a particular embodiment the instructions 624 mayreside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory 604,the static memory 606, and/or within the processor 602 during executionby the computer system 600. The main memory 604 and the processor 602also may include computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, suchas application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or moreof the methods described herein. Applications that may include theapparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include avariety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein may implement functions using two or more specificinterconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and datasignals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or asportions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, thepresent system encompasses software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein may be implemented by software programsexecutable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limitedembodiment, implementations can include distributed processing,component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed toimplement one or more of the methods or functionality as describedherein.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium thatincludes instructions 624 or receives and executes instructions 624responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to anetwork 626 can communicate voice, video or data over the network 626.Further, the instructions 624 may be transmitted or received over thenetwork 626 via the network interface device 620.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution bya processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or moreof the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as amemory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatileread-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be arandom access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally,the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capturecarrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmissionmedium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives may be considered a distributionmedium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalentsand successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsthat may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference toparticular standards and protocols, the disclosed embodiments are notlimited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards forInternet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP,DP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Suchstandards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficientequivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly,replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functionsas those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be reduced. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not beused to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may begrouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of detecting potential video trafficinterference at a video head-end of a video distribution network, themethod comprising: detecting, at a video head-end, a signal populatingan ultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency; determining that astrength of the signal is equal to or greater than a threshold signalstrength; and sending an alert from the video head-end to a networkmanagement system, wherein the alert indicates that the UHF white spacefrequency is populated by a signal having a potential to interfere withvideo traffic delivered via the video head-end.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising scanning a plurality of white space frequencieswithin a pre-defined area about the video head-end.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising identifying the populated UHF white spacefrequency, wherein the alert indicates the identified frequency.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising determining that the populated UHFwhite space frequency is one of a plurality of UHF white spacefrequencies, each of whose population has a potential to interfere withvideo traffic at the video head-end.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinthe populated UHF white space frequency includes a frequency that iswithin a pre-defined range of a frequency associated with a videocontent channel, wherein the video head-end delivers video traffic viathe video content channel.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thepopulated UHF white space frequency includes a frequency that isadjacent to the frequency associated with the video content channel. 7.The method of claim 5, wherein the alert identifies the video contentchannel.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing dataindicating that the UHF white space frequency is populated.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising receiving data from the networkmanagement system, the data indicating at least one corrective measureto mitigate interference with the video traffic by the detected signal.10. A system to detect potential video traffic interference at a videohead-end of a video distribution network, the system comprising: adetection system having processing logic and memory accessible to theprocessing logic, wherein the memory includes instructions executable bythe processing logic to: determine that a strength of a detected signalpopulating an ultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency is equalto or greater than a threshold signal strength; and send an alert to anetwork management system, wherein the alert indicates that the UHFwhite space frequency is populated by a signal having a potential tointerfere with video traffic delivered via a video head-end of a videodistribution network.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the detectionsystem is adapted to detect the signal via a search antenna.
 12. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the memory includes a management informationdata store and wherein the memory includes instructions executable bythe processing logic to identify the populated UHF white space frequencyand to determine that the populated UHF white space frequency is one ofa plurality of UHF white space frequencies stored at the managementinformation data store, wherein population of each of the plurality ofUHF white space frequencies has a potential to interfere with videotraffic at the video head-end.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein thememory includes instructions executable by the processing logic to storea status of the UHF white space frequency at the management informationdata store.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the alert is a simplenetwork management protocol (SNW) alarm.
 15. The system of claim 10,wherein the threshold signal strength is equivalent to between 6decibels isotropic (dBi) and 10 dBi.
 16. The system of claim 10, whereinthe signal is an IEEE 802.22 wireless regional access network signal.17. The system of claim 10, wherein the video traffic includes digitaltelevision video traffic and wherein the signal has the potential tocause video, audio, or any combination thereof associated with thedigital television video traffic to pixilate, freeze, or a combinationthereof.
 18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium havingprocessor-readable instructions executable by a processor to perform amethod, the method comprising: determining that a strength of a detectedsignal populating an ultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency isequal to or greater than a threshold signal strength; and sending analert to a video operations center, wherein the alert indicates that theUHF white space frequency is populated by a signal having a potential tointerfere with video traffic delivered via a video head-end of a videodistribution network.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 18, wherein the method further comprises detecting the signal. 20.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein themethod further comprises receiving data indicating at least onecorrective measure from the video operations center.
 21. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the methodfurther comprises detecting a depopulation of a frequency of the UHFwhite space frequency and sending a second alert to the video operationscenter, wherein the second alert indicates depopulation of thefrequency.
 22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21,wherein the method further comprises updating data stored at the videohead-end indicating a status of at least one frequency associated withthe UHF white space frequency.